Heart Health

Heart Healthy Cornbread for Your Spring Picnic!

April 13th, 2012 By Emory Heart & Vascular Center

Heart Healthy Cornbread RecipeUse this yummy “Good for you Cornbread” recipe to add a heart healthy option to your spring picnic basket.  It will not only taste great but also provides a heart healthy carbohydrate option.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup low-fat (1%) buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup soft tub margarine
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil (to grease pan)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 OF. Mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, and baking powder. In another bowl, combine buttermilk and egg. Beat lightly. Slowly add buttermilk and egg mixture to dry ingredients. Add margarine and mix by hand or with mixer for 1 minute. Bake for 20-25 minutes in an 8- by 8-inch, greased baking dish. Cool. Cut into 10 squares.

Yield: 10 servings

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 square)

  • Calories: 178
  • Fat: 6 grams
  • Cholesterol: 22 milligrams
  • Sodium: 94 milligrams

Source: National Institutes of Health – www.nih.gov/ Keep the Beat: Heart Healthy Recipes

Enjoy this recipes and find other heart healthy recipes at  Emory Healthcare’s Recipe’s for Wellness site.

Emory Healthcare is a proud partner of the American Heart Association in the My Heart. My Life campaign that helps consumers learn the 7 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle.

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8 Creative Ways to Squeeze Fitness into a Busy Schedule

April 3rd, 2012 By Emory Heart & Vascular Center

national start walking dayDo you find yourself exhausted after a long day of work or taking care of the kids, and then you don’t feel like exercising? Well, read up for some creative ways to work fitness into your schedule that can be a lot of fun!

  1. Schedule walks with friends instead of grabbing a happy hour drink or dinner! Enjoy the gorgeous outdoors and catch up with a friend at the same time! You will be shocked how quickly time will fly when you are catching up with an old friend.
  2. Instead of sleeping in, take your kids or dogs to a National Park on a Saturday morning. Georgia has some incredible National Parks – visit http://usparks.about.com/od/travelitineraries/l/blGeorgia-National-Parks.htm. You will be amazed how being out in nature will improve your mood!
  3. While watching TV, instead of lying on the couch, lie down on the ground and do some sit ups, planks or light weights while watching your favorite show for 10 minutes.
  4. Add a little dancing to your cleaning routine! Turn on music and add a bob to your step as you clean around the house. This will burn extra calories while you are dancing.
  5. Instead of driving to the park, local restaurant or neighbor’s house – walk there! You will be able to really take in all that your neighborhood has to offer. The kids also will learn at an early age to enjoy the outdoors and exercise.
  6. Set your alarm for 15 – 20 minutes earlier than normal and go for a short walk/jog around the neighborhood. You not only will feel better, you will have gotten your metabolic system in action and don’t have to worry about trying to fit a workout in after a long, hard day! Try to make it a habit to exercise at least 10 minutes every morning! It will start your day off right.
  7. Always take the stairs instead of the elevator if you are going four flights or less! Make it a contest at work and challenge your colleagues to go further!
  8. Volunteer to walk your neighbor’s dog. Seeing a walk through a dog’s eyes makes the adventure that much fun!

Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2008), the American Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine (2007) state that even short activities performed in 10 minute segments can improve your health. These organizations recommend getting about 2 and one-half hours of exercise over the course of a week!April 4 is National Start Walking Day. Grab a buddy and get your body in motion! Your heart will thank you for it! Emory University and Healthcare employees – get your walking shoes out and meet us for a 30-minute walk on Wednesday, April 4, at one of the following locations:

  • Emory University Hospital Midtown, 2:00 pm – meet at the fountain between the Orr and Glenn Buildings
  • Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, 12:00 pm – meet near the entrance to the Medical Office Building
  • Lullwater Preserve, 11:45 am and 12:30 pm – meet at the gates to Lullwater Park
  • Grady, 11:45 am and 12:30 pm – meet in the Faculty Office Building lobby
  • Saint Joseph’s Hospital, 10:00 am and 10:45 am – meet in the meditation garden between the Harrison Outpatient Building and the Florence Erb Hayes Specialty Center
  • The Carter Center,12:25 pm – meet in the parking lot staff entrance

For more information, please contact Melissa Morgan, melissa.morgan@emory.edu or 404-727-4328.

If you are not an Emory employee and want to get your organization involved in National Start Walking Day, contact the American Heart Association by visiting www.startwalkingnow.org and request a toolkit.

 

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March into Better Heart Health!

March 1st, 2012 By Kathy Lee Bishop MS, PT, CCS; Manager, Emory HeartWise Risk Reduction Program

Heart events in Atlanta March 2012The HeartWiseSM Risk Reduction Program Lecture Series aims to reduce people’s risk of heart disease through education and interaction. In addition to serving patients who currently suffer from heart disease, we also provide help to individuals who could be at risk for heart complications in the future including those who smoke, do not exercise or have high blood pressure.

Call 404-778-2850 to reserve your seat, or you can sign up for one of our March HeartWise lectures online!

Emory HeartWise Events in Atlanta during March:

♥ Diabetes Prevention
Cheryl Williams, RD/LD
Thursday, March 8, 2012
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM

♥ Healthy Cooking Demo
Cheryl Williams, RD/LD
Monday, March 12, 2012
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

♥ Dancing For Health
Ashley Cole, Valdosta State University Exercise Specialist Intern
Friday, March 23, 2012
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

♥ High Blood Pressure & Nutrition
Cheryl Williams, RD/LD
Monday, March 26, 2012
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

♥ Why Sleep is So Important
Friday, March 26, 2012
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Admission to HeartWise events is free and everyone is welcome! Call 404-778-2850 to reserve your seat, or you can sign up for one of our March HeartWise lectures online!

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Celebrate Heart Month with this Tasty Pasta Salad Recipe!

February 22nd, 2012 By Emory Heart & Vascular Center

Thank you to those who attended our  live web chat on Nutrition for the Heart! We had an excellent discussion and thank Emory Heart & Vascular Center Registered Dietician Cheryl A. Williams, RD, LD (pictured below) for her insight on this important topic!   If you were not able to attend the live chat, you can view the transcript from this chat and others using the “Past Web Chats” link in the top navigation bar.

Cheryl Williams

We would like to clarify a question posed in the chat regarding the amount of fish that is healthy for your heart.  The guidelines for fish consumption are 2 servings of fatty fish, salmon, trout, mackerel etc.,  per week for heart health. There are no separate guidelines for white-flesh fish  such a tilapia.  For people who do not like fatty fish they can have white-flesh fish instead (if not fried), as it generally has less saturated fat then red meat and poultry.

Eating fish is healthy and tasty too!  Cheryl provided us with this delicious Salmon Pasta Salad recipe.  Try it! I am sure you will like it and your heart will too!

Fresh Veggie & Salmon Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

Makes 16 servings (servings size: 1 cup)

Healthy Pasta Salad Recipe♥ 16 ounces whole wheat pasta (penne, bowtie, etc.)
♥ Three 6-7 ounce cans of Wild Alaska Pink Salmon (sockeye salmon) flaked
♥ 8 cups fresh whole spinach leaf (10 ounce bag)
♥ 2 cups halved grape/cherry tomatoes 1 cup chopped walnuts

Raspberry Citrus Vinaigrette

♥ 1/3 cup canola oil
♥ 1/2 cup orange juice (about 1 orange)
♥ 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
♥ 1/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
♥ 4 tbsp fresh oregano or basil or  4 tsp dried oregano or basil leaves
♥ 2 garlic minced garlic cloves
♥ ½ tsp salt
♥ 2 tbsp ground black pepper

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package; drain pasta and set aside in strainer
  2. Open cans of salmon, cover with can lid and run under water faucet for 1 minute
  3. In large salad bowl combine pasta, salmon, tomatoes, spinach & chopped walnuts
  4. Prepare vinaigrette:In blender or food processor combine citrus juices, raspberries, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper, whirl until well blended; add canola oil slowly until well blended
  5. Pour vinaigrette over salad and toss.
  6. Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Analysis (per serving)

  • 252 Calories
  • 12 gramsTotal Fat
  • 1 grams Saturated Fat
  • 0 grams Trans Fat
  • 23 milligrams Cholesterol
  • 235 milligrams Sodium
  • 25 grams Carbohydrates
  • 4 grams Fiber
  • Sugars 1 gram
  • Protein 15
  • Dietary Exchanges: 1.5 starches, 1/2 vegetable, 2 meats, 2 fats\

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Dark Chocolate: The Heart Healthy Gift for Your Valentine

February 14th, 2012 By Dr. Jason Reingold

Dark Chocolate ValentineAs Valentine’s Day approaches, Saint Joseph’s cardiologist Jason Reingold, MD, says go ahead and give your sweetheart some dark chocolate this year – to consume in moderation.

In the past year, more research has suggested a beneficial link between higher levels of chocolate consumption and the reduction of the risk of cardiovascular events. In one study, participants with the highest levels of chocolate intake had a 37 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29 percent reduction in stroke compared with participants who consumed the lowest levels of chocolate.

The secret behind chocolate’s beneficial effects on the heart is the effect of powerful micronutrients – flavonoids and phenols found naturally in the cocoa bean. These compounds function like antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables where free radicals are neutralized and destroyed, helping the body resist damage to cells. For example, flavanols help keep LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized and clogging up coronary artery walls.

Studies also suggest that the phenols found in dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure by an average of 5 points for systolic and an average of 2 points for diastolic blood pressure. Improvement in blood pressure has been found in people who consumed as little as 3 1/2 ounces of dark chocolate every day for 15 days. But, the effect may be short lived as one study found that after only two days without chocolate blood pressure returned to previous higher levels.

Finally, researchers believe that dark chocolate can help improve endothelial function. This refers to the cells that line the blood vessels to help keep them dilated and elastic. Coupled with reducing inflammation, normal endothelial function promotes free flowing blood and prevents platelets from sticking together and forming a clot which can lead to stroke and heart attack.

Unfortunately, there can be a down side to the chocolate we eat every day. First, as chocolate is processed to eliminate the natural bitter flavor, the beneficial flavonoids and phenols are also removed. Second, the chocolate we consume is usually processed with excess fat and sugar. These extra calories can lead to obesity and diabetes, which can reverse any positive effects that chocolate may have on the heart.

So, like all things in life, the best solution is to eat dark chocolate in moderation:

  • Look for a cocoa content of at least 65 percent and remember the higher the better in terms of flavonoids and phenols. Milk chocolate has lower levels of cocoa, and white chocolate does not contain any cocoa. Even worse, both have more fat and sugar than dark chocolate.
  • Limit yourself to no more than 3 ounces (85 grams) a day
  • Balance the extra calories from chocolate by eliminating calories from your diet
  • Don’t wash down your chocolate with milk, as it may interfere with the absorption of antioxidants from chocolate
  • Don’t forget about other sources of flavonoids and phenols like fruits, vegetables and red wine

About Dr. Reingold—Dr. Reingold is a board certified cardiologist who specializes in preventive cardiology at Saint Joseph’s Heart and Vascular Institute. He is the chairmen of research for the Womens Heart Center and active investigator within the Saint Joseph’s Research Institute.  Dr. Reingold has been featured on CNN’s health program Sanjay Gupta, MD, and is well published in medical literature.

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Young Women, Take Notice: Heart Disease can Affect You Too!

February 9th, 2012 By Emory Heart & Vascular Center

Heart disease affects women of all ages.  Three Saint Joseph’s Hospital patients shared their incredible stories of surviving heart disease at a young age on Sunday, February 5, Focus Atlanta show.  In addition, Saint Joseph cardiologist, Dr. Lee Padove,  gives risk factors, symptoms and treatment options for women who have heart disease.   View these incredible patient stories by checking out the video below, and take charge of your heart health today!

Emory Healthcare is a proud sponsor of American Heart Association’s My Heart. My Life program.

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Celebrate Heart Month by Joining Our Top Heart Healthy Foods Chat!

February 6th, 2012 By Emory Heart & Vascular Center

Top Heart Healthy Foods ChatJoin Emory Heart & Vascular Center nutritionist Cheryl A. Williams, RD, LD on Thursday, February 9 at 12:30 for a live web chat titled “Top Heart Healthy Foods”. She will be available to answer questions about what the best food choices are for your heart, share new recipe ideas, as well as provide ideas for your favorite current recipes that will help keep your heart healthy.

Sign up for the Top Heart Healthy Foods Chat here.

We look forward to helping facilitate a dialog that builds awareness around the importance of prioritizing a heart healthy diet and taking control of your heart health! See you there!

About:  Cheryl Williams is a registered dietitian (RD) specializing in the nutritional management of a variety of chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. In her current position at the Emory Heart & Vascular Center, Cheryl provides nutrition therapy, wellness coaching, monthly nutrition seminars and healthy cooking demonstrations.

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Take control of your Heart Health and join us at the Go Red Connect Event!

February 3rd, 2012 By Emory Heart & Vascular Center

Go Red for WomenJoin Saint Joseph’s Hospital tomorrow, Saturday, February 4 for the Atlanta American Heart Association’s Go Red CONNECT Event at Macy’s at Perimeter Mall.

Details

Where:

Macy’s – Perimeter Mall

4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road

Time: 1pm – 5pm

Saint Joseph’s Hospital, the American Heart Association and Go Red For Women are calling on Atlanta women to Make It Their Mission to fight heart disease.

Come CONNECT with women across the metro area, Go Red volunteers, and heart disease survivors to learn how you can save your life and the lives of other women.

Saint Joseph’s Hospital staff will be offering free cardiovascular screenings as well as provide educational material on how to stay heart healthy.

Other events during the day include healthy cooking demos, heart health information, exclusive Go Red giveaways and much more!

Women will have the opportunity to share their stories in front of the American Heart Association’s camera and have the chance to become a spokesperson for the Go Red for Women cause.  If you are chosen you could represent the AHA’s Go Red For Women in marketing materials, at events, on GoRedForWomen.org, etc!

 

See you all there!

Related Resources

Saint Joseph’s Heart & Vascular Institute website

Emory Heart and Vascular Center Women’s program website

Healthy Heart recipes

American Heart Association Atlanta website

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Atlantans: Join us for 11 Heart Healthy Events During Heart Month!

February 1st, 2012 By Emory Heart & Vascular Center

Emory HeartWise Events in Atlanta during Heart Month:

Heart Month Events Atlanta February

The HeartWiseSM Risk Reduction Program Lecture Series aims to reduce people’s risk of heart disease through education and interaction. In addition to serving patients who currently suffer from heart disease, we also provide help to individuals who could be at risk for heart complications in the future including those who smoke, do not exercise or have high blood pressure.

♥ Fats: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly
Cheryl Williams, RD/LD
Thursday, February 2nd
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM

♥ Chocolate for the Heart
Cheryl Williams, RD/LD
Monday, February 6, 2012
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

♥ Q&A with an Emory Cardiologist
Dr. Laurence Sperling
Friday, February 10, 2012
12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM

♥ Medications
Jane Whitmer, RN
Monday, February 13, 2012
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

♥ Celebration: National Cardiac Rehabilitation
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

♥ Chocolate for the Heart
Cheryl Williams, RD/LD
Thursday, February 16, 2012
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM

♥ How Should I Take Care of My Feet?
Dr. Frank Sinkoe
Friday, February 24, 2012
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

♥ Diabetes Prevention
Cheryl Williams, RD/LD
Monday, February 27, 2012
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Admission to HeartWise events is free and everyone is welcome! Call404-778-2850 to reserve your seat, or you can sign up for one of our February HeartWise lectures online!

Saint Joseph’s Heart Institute Events in Atlanta during Heart Month:

♥ Friday, February 3rd - National Wear Red Day; Wear red to raise awareness of heart disease and what you can do to prevent it!

♥ Friday, February, 3rd – Go Red Event; Saint Joseph’s Hospital is hosting a Go Red Event from 8:30am – 2pm.  We will have jewelry vendors, cooking demos, dark chocolate vendors and educational information available.

♥ Saturday, February 4th- Go Red Connect- Join us  at Macy’s at Perimeter Mall from 1 pm to 5 pm.   Saint Joseph’s staff will be offering free cardiovascular screenings as well as providing educational materials to attendees

Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or thoughts regarding any of the February events. We look forward to seeing all of you there!

Emory Healthcare is proud to partner with the American Heart Association in the My Heart. My Life campaign to help prevent heart disease.  Take the Life Simple Seven challenge today!

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And US News & World Report Ranks the best Diet Plan As…..

January 9th, 2012 By Emory Heart & Vascular Center

Diet weight loss rankingsU.S. News & World Report released their 2nd Annual Best Diets.  The annual rankings were designed to help dieters determine what the best diet for them is.  Emory Heart & Vascular Center physician Laurence Sperling, MD was one of the 22 nationally recognized experts who judged the diets.  According to the “Best Diets 2012” rankings, the 22 experts evaluated 25 different diets and concluded that the five Easiest Diets to Follow are:

  1. Weight Watchers
  2. Jenny Craig
  3. Mediterranean Diet
  4. - (tie) Slim-Fast and Volumetrics

If you made the resolution to lose weight and start a heart healthy diet this year, try one of Emory’s Heart Healthy Recipes for Wellness!  We have recipes for all categories including appetizers, breakfasts, entrees, soups, salads and desserts.  All the recipes have all the nutritional information outlined so you know exactly how healthy you are eating.  Start the year off right by getting your diet back on track!

Visit Emory Healthcare’s recipes website to find recipes for caregivers, skin healthy recipes, tooth friendly recipes and weight loss recipes!  Happy New Year to you all!

Related Resources:

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